09/11/2019
What do we do when we are happy, and filled with joy? What bubbles Forth from within us almost uncontrollably, and with such amazing creativity, and diverse scale and measure? Music, and song spring from us in praise, and when we are solemn, and worshipful the music and sound of our souls raises up in honor, adoration, and respect. No matter the occasion there is a song. Melodic is the language of our soul, and of God. We are created in His image, and music is the outpouring of our spiritual feeling, emotion, and of love.
“The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.””
Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV
God rejoices over us with singing! Doesn’t the thought of that thrill you? Well, it certainly thrills me because there is nothing I enjoy more than music; which is not to be confused with my being good at singing, or performing it. Yet, even in my off-key singing there is hope for me, and all those like me...
The Hebrew word translated here as singing is more perfectly translated as “a ringing cry”, and also carries with it a sense of joy. I love this more perfect translation of the word because I am not a great singer, and as a matter of fact I am terrible at it. I think a ringing cry, or perhaps more accurately an ear piercing screech, might describe me better... that is until the Lord adjusts my pitch, and acts as my personal “auto-tune”. An auto-tune is computer software that can take the worst singer and make them sound... well... much better. However, the wonderful thing about singing is that we all sound perfect in our hearts, and God knows our heart.
The Bible is full of references to singing, musical instruments, and music in general, and indeed we are encouraged to sing, make music, and create songs for spiritual expression. This desire is engrained in us; it is coded into our DNA, and even those whose voices sound like fighting cats feel a need to sing. It is a standing joke, and Shower serenades from around the world can testify to this. As a matter of fact, there is a verse in Ephesians that tells us it is alright to just speak songs to one another, and leave the singing to our hearts!
“speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,”
Ephesians 5:19 NKJV
In all seriousness, singing and making melody in our heart is what singer/songwriters do every day. Many of them have imperfect voices, but they are exceptional at taking various words of love, praise, or worship , and joining them with a melody they hear in their hearts, to produce new music that inspires us, and brings the joy of praise and worship out in us. This is a gift, and we are told in scripture to use it, and to create new music; listen to this verse...
“Oh, sing to the LORD a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.”
Psalms 98:1 NKJV
Singing new songs implies creating new songs, and this involves taking the words from our minds, joining them with melodies from our hearts, and then sing them and playing them with instruments to the LORD, and one another. This is true creativity.
So you are standing in church, and are being led in song. Do you feel uncomfortable because you can’t carry a tune in a bucket? Well, stop worrying about how you sound to those around you, and know that even when you are off key, or unable to hit a note, that God hears the voice of your soul as perfection. He made you exactly as you are, but Satan would have you feel imperfect, and try to silence your voice. Sing out, and shout joyfully to the Lord. Sing a new song, or an old song, but know in your heart, and soul, that it is now your song to God, and this is your intimate moment in concert with Him.
“Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth; Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises. Sing to the LORD with the harp, With the harp and the sound of a psalm, With trumpets and the sound of a horn; Shout joyfully before the LORD, the King.”
Psalms 98:4-6 NKJV
Are you ready to exercise the gift you have been given? Maybe you have an amazing voice, play an instrument exceptionally, or hear new songs as they rise up from within you... then again, perhaps you have no talent at all when compared to others, but whichever it is this is what God has given you, and this is what we are told to offer Him.
“Oh, sing to the LORD a new song! Sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.”
Psalms 96:1-2 NKJV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the songs in our hearts, and the melodies that flow forth from us. Thank you Lord for the notes from our instruments that bring forth praise and worship. Thank you for the music you give us that heals mourning hearts, and gives us courage in the face of our enemies. You created us in your image Holy Father, and into us you poured a measure of your creativity, and the ability to make music. Help us to use this gift to your glory, and to make it like a salve upon the spirits of others. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who sings over us, and reveals His heart to us. Great is your creation song that flows through all that you have made. We praise your name as we sing of your Son Jesus Christ, and the mercy and grace that is His song of love. Glorious are you Father, for your song, and the music you have given us to accompany this our prayer of life.
“The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, And in the night His song shall be with me— A prayer to the God of my life.”
Psalms 42:8 NKJV
Rich Forbes